Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-07-16

few ministers. Everything should be in its
place. The influence of the pulpit should be
sufficient to draw Crowded houses" al
though there should be few other places of
amusement in our town.
The club will ignore the liquor question,
but does not its exercises tend to keep its
members and patrons out of saloons and
similar places? At least it does while they
are in the club room.
If you do not wish to see the "Black
Crook" it is announced where it is to be seen,
so you can stay away. But it is the demand
for such performances that keeps them in
existence, just as it is the same public
craze" for hearing slow sermons. Yet, does
Mr.. Whitaker ever reflect what love, moral
ity, religion, truth, temperance, humanity
is taught in the theatre, while the authors
have not neglected to "show un" all forms
of depravity, misery, wretchedness, wicked
ness, murder, etc. How many practical SER
mons have been preached from the stage!
The recent articles appear to have as
sumed a personal nature, as per the
remark in Mr.. Whitaker's article--who
then is this sponsor" of a club? / will an
swer-he is very able minister of the goJ-
pei, one perhaps just as much interested in
the salvation of souls as Rev. Mr.. Whitaker
The work of ministers in saving souls could
be extended to the highways and hedges
Let them come to the club occasionally and
see if "vice will tempt virtue" believe that
good swinging of Indian clubs, or the
handling of dumb-bells would contribute
greatly to the effect on the system and cult
vate sermonic power. "Fol though we walk
in the flesh we do not war after the flesh,"
but rather prefer to strengthen and purify it.
Finally, it has not become an issue on sec
tartan ground. So, fearless of the charge of
heresy, commend the work of the "spon
sor" and the other members Of the club,
hope that it will be the means of saving more
souls than some of your able C) ministers
have done.
The Presbytery holds that ''the spirit of the
prohibition extends to all kindred amuse-
ments (dancing and stage plays) which are
calculated to awaken thoughts and feelings
inconsistent with the commandments" l
CullllOl Scc WllcTC VI IlO " u cNFtNtUN COulu
possibly entertain "such thoughts or feelings"
after dance with young lady, or witness
ing fine theatrical performance. And, as
"the church is not to reform men, do not
see why the commandments should have
effect. These injunctions must be directed,
therefore, solely to the brute kingdom.
In conclusion, if q member of the church
finds anything in violation of the command
ments in recreation or exercise of the human
body, man being made in the image of God,
and through such exercise perfect his physi-
cal structure, which was the leading factor in
preserving the health of the stalwart Greeks
by doing ourselves physical benefit necessa-
rily we develop our spiritual powers. MAN
is weak and flesh is frail." If he can perceive
the "wrath of God' in game of checkers,
pool, or anything else, his christianity GER
tainly exceeds that of the clubs, or those who
claim to be holy as he who abstains. But it
is not he who says Lord Lord shall enter
the kingdom of heaven" while whosoever
shall say ''thou fool, shall be in danger of
hellfire."
The club, if conducted as intended, will be
healthful, moral, spiritual, because there is
mo hinge nor loop
To hang doubt on"
ONI, or T1IP Grim